Another Section 34 Dispersal Zone for Formby this weekend

This weekend, Merseyside Police are introducing another Section 34 dispersal zone in Formby following an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour, including the reckless use of fireworks.

The order is in place from 5pm tonight, Friday 24 October until 5pm on Sunday 26 October, and includes the area bounded by Long Lane Footpath, Church Road, Liverpool Road, Altcar Lane, Hoggs Hill Lane, the railway line, Kirklake Road, Woodlands Road, Wicks Lane, Freshfield Road.

The dispersal zone is just one tool used to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area which has been causing damage to property in the locality and putting the community at risk of injury.

The Section 34, which is under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, gives officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents away from the area.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested. It also gives officers the power to seize any item that could be used for anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Graham Fisher said: “Despite issuing a dispersal zone last weekend, further incidents have been reported so we are taking further action this weekend.

“We know that this time of year can bring an increase in anti-social behaviour, especially the dangerous use of fireworks, which can cause distress, damage, serious injury and death. The public rightly expects the police to respond to such incidents to take positive action against those responsible.

“The dispersal zone also aims to reassure the surrounding community and we hope that people will welcome seeing more officers in the area tackling this type of behaviour.

“We would ask that people continue to support us as we take this action, so we can ensure resources are in the right places. We would also ask parents and guardians to speak to children and young people and stress to them the dangers of behaving in such a manner.”

Anyone with information on ASB in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X Merseyside Police Contact Centre or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.

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